Have your say for the first time on which Cardiff workplace is doing most to encourage cycling to work and get involved on 9 December
A Cardiff cycling advocacy group has added a new category to their annual awards to promote businesses that encourage their staff to cycle to work, which can have a positive impact on productivity according to a study published by Bristol University.
‘The Cardiff workplace doing most to encourage cycling to work’ award highlights challenges cyclists face and encourages a stronger cycling culture in the city according to the group Cycle City Cardiff (CCC).
One major barrier to cycle commuting in Cardiff is facilities, says Dan Allsobrook, 52, a CCC committee member. “When we talk to people about why they don’t cycle to work, it’s because they don’t have places to lock their bike securely, places to change, have a shower, store their kit,” he said.
Swansea University is one workplace where facilities have an impact. Since 2018 it has offered storage and changing facilities and eight public workstations with tools and pumps. it also offers a bike hire scheme with 14% of university commuter journeys now made by bike according to a report from Gov.Wales; the Welsh national average sits at 1.1% .
However, Lisa Tann, 56, who runs a mobile coffee van partnered with cycling charity Pedal Power, thinks safety is just as important. “People who want to start cycling are just scared of the traffic, and then you are put in a bus lane with taxis who have pretty much no respect for cyclists,” she said.
Grangetown local Tann said although there’s been lots of bike friendly additions in Cardiff centre, many people don’t work in the centre itself. Allsobrook knows this is an issue and hopes the awards will help address it. “The council does pay attention… they always send a transport officer to accept the award for the worst junction.” He said, “Places like the corner of Cathays Terrace used to be horrible. Now it’s got the dedicated protected lane where cyclists have priority.”
To vote, go to the CCC website by 30 November. The Awards take place on 9th December at The Bike Lock, 10 Windsor Place, Cardiff. For tickets click here.